IPSWICH Town last night kicked off their pre-season programme with a 1-1 draw at Helmond Sport.

Part of their two-game, five-day, tour of the Netherlands, manager Paul Jewell was spot on when he said the Blues struggled in the first half, but improved after the break.

DAVE GOODERHAM, our man in Holland, gives his ratings and description of every Town player who featured with stats from the match below.

1) Arran Lee-Barrett

Minutes on the pitch: 45

Rating: 6

The keeper could do nothing about Helmond’s goal but his distribution remains a concern. Unlikely to start the season in goal.

2) Carlos Edwards

Minutes: 73

Rating: 6

Showed both the same strengths and weaknesses as last season. Strong going forward but caught out at the back.

3) Aaron Cresswell

Minutes: 67

Rating: 7

Big season for left-back as he is now a star player. Nice solid start at both ends.

4 Luke Chambers

Minutes: 90

Rating: 7

Recovered well from a shaky start. A great shot-saving tackle was the highlight, given captain’s armband after Edwards went off.

5 Damien Delaney

Minutes: 90

Rating: 7

No frills, as always. But needs to work on distribution if he is to get the nod over Tommy Smith

6 Luke Hyam

Minutes: 90

Rating: 7

Struggled at the start but got better as game wore on, even bursting forward to support the frontmen in the second half.

7 Ryan Stevenson

Minutes: 45

Rating: 5

Given the central midfield spot but struggled in the first-half – as the whole team did. Taken off at the break

8 Byron Lawrence:

Minutes: 45

Rating: 6

Another learning curve for 16-year-old. Hit the post, did some nice things, but needs to bulk up a little.

9 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

Minutes: 90

Rating: 6

His last 20 minutes or so spared him a lower mark. Anonymous for large parts of the game, but impressed near the end.

10 Michael Chopra

Minutes: 73

Rating: 8

My man of the match. Hit bar then post before finally scoring. Looked eager if occasionally isolated as lone frontman.

11 Josh Carson

Minutes: 67

Rating: 6

Always looked to do the right thing, but didn’t always come off. Looked in good shape, now needs to prove himself.

SUBS:

JIMMY BULLARD (45mins on pitch): Looked more lively than last season, only midfielder who got hold of the ball, promising (7/10). MARIAN KELLO (45mins): Had little to do, other than clear up a few half-chances. Good vocal presence (6\10). JASON SCOTLAND (17mins): Not given enough time to really impress although he finished one chance clinically, though was offside (5/10). SOUALIO BAKAYOKO (23mins): Jury still out on trialist left-back but will get another chance to impress (5/10). PLASIR BAHAMBOULA (23mins): Nice and bright with tricks up his sleeve. Left-winger was pick of the trialists (7/10). ANDY DRURY (45mins): Was part of an improved second half display, did little wrong (6/10). JACK AINSLEY (17mins): Big season for local lad, got forward well and set up great chance for Bullard (6/10).

* Joe Whight and Ronan Murray were the only two Town players who were kitted out but did not feature. Lee Martin missed the game with a slight niggle.

MATCH STATS

SHOTS ON TARGET: Ipswich 9, Helmond 3

SHOTS OFF TARGET: Ipswich 7, Helmond 2

CORNERS: Ipswich 4, Helmond 0

FOULS CONCEDED: Ipswich 8, Helmond 11

OFFSIDE: Ipswich 5, Helmond 1

YELLOW/RED CARDS: 0